Creative & Education Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Animator Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median animator salary in Denver, CO is $88,245 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$88,245
vs State Avg
+$5,515
vs National
+$9,455
Cost of Living
112%

Animator Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median animator salary of $88,245, which is $5,515 above the Colorado state average of $82,730. Compared to the national median of $78,790, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,245 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for animators in Denver spans from $51,520 at the 10th percentile to $152,320 at the 90th percentile — a $100,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior animators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,600. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Animator Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level animator earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,600
+$9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,600
+$15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $51,520
25th Percentile $67,200
Median (50th) $88,245
75th Percentile $117,600
90th Percentile $152,320

Animator Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$100,851
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$83,517
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$82,730
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$78,790
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Animator in Denver

Education

Most animator positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Maya/BlenderAfter EffectsCharacter DesignStoryboarding3D ModelingTiming/Motion

Job Outlook

Nationally, animator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Animator Jobs in Denver

Browse open animator positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Animator Salary in Denver

How much does a Animator make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median animator salary in Denver, Colorado is $88,245 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $78,790. Salaries range from $51,520 (10th percentile) to $152,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Animator make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,245, a animator in Denver earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for animator pay? ▼
Denver's median animator salary of $88,245 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $82,730. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a animator salary of $88,245 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a animator in Denver? ▼
Most animator positions in Denver require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Maya/Blender, After Effects, Character Design, Storyboarding. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.